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Daniel Alfredsson has faced a lot of heat in the last 48 hours for suggesting the Senators would "probably not" comeback from the 3-1 deficit they were facing as they prepared for Game 5 against the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday night.

Most of the criticism was ridiculous. He was the talk of the town for many of the wrong reasons, but that will go away as the Senators prepare for the summer months and start looking forward to next year.

All eyes will be on Alfredsson for one reason: Will he or won't he back next season?

Lost in all the talk about his "probably not" comment was the subject of whether Alfredsson was about to suit up for his final game with the Senators Friday.

"If it is, we'll make it a fun one," said defenceman Erik Karlsson when asked about the possibility.

Alfredsson has worn the 'C' for the Senators since 1999. A UFA on July 5, he won't sign anywhere else if he does return, but Alfredsson hasn't made a decision on whether he'll play. That's why he has been trying to cherish every moment.

"Whatever happens, happens. I haven't made a decision myself," said Alfredsson. "I'm not thinking about what ifs."

No, Alfredsson isn't thinking about tomorrow, but everybody around him is wondering if he'll be back. He has shown that he has plenty of life left and he's one of the club's best players. If he decides to return, he'll be a contributor.

Many believe Alfredsson won't retire. He is playing too well to call it quits. The Senators have shown they are headed in the right direction by knocking off the Montreal Canadiens and advancing to Round 2 for the first time since 2007.

Alfredsson has said given everything the club went through this season-- with injuries to top players like Jason Spezza, Erik Karlsson, Milan Michalek and Craig Anderson -- this group has been special and fun to play with.

"We've got a great locker room. It's fun to come to the rink," said Alfredsson. "It starts with the coaches to the players and everybody having a good attitude each and every day.

"Our mantra is to try to get better all the time. We've done a good job of that."

Alfredsson said he hasn't lost his desire to come to the rink. He remains prepared to put on his work boots and lead by example. If he does retire, it might be to spend more time with his family.

"I thoroughly enjoy my job. I love what I do, but I can't say I enjoy every moment of it," said Alfredsson, a father of four children. "The travel can be extremely tough with a young family at home.

"Time away doesn't get any easier, but when I'm at the rink I still enjoy what I do."

The Senators have a hard time imagining the dressing room without Alfredsson. He will remain in the organization in a senior VP role if he does hang up his skates and can then decide what kind of role he wants to pursue.

Defenceman Marc Methot, an Ottawa native who grew up watching Alfredsson, said a first-hand glimpse has allowed him to see what makes the man tick.

"I love his leadership. He is probably the best captain I think I've ever had," said Methot. "Everything he does -- from preparation to how hard he works on the ice.

"The biggest thing for me was even in practice seeing him compete, see how competitive and passionate he is about the game ... It's unbelievable with the amount of hockey he has under his belt that he can maintain that.

"That's why the guys respect him so much."

Alfredsson went through a similar scenario last summer before announcing his final decision to return in August. He told me once he wants to make sure "the fire still burns" to do the off-season training it takes to get ready.

The Senators don't want Alfredsson to go anywhere. It was his goal with 30 seconds left in Game 3 that helped push this series to a Game 5. He has a flare for the dramatic.

"I think he's a got a lot of hockey left in him. It's up to him whether he wants to (play) or not, but we all know he's capable of it," said Methot. "He's one of our best players. That's going to be up to him.

"I don't know what he's thinking. I'd love to have him back, though."

So would the fans.

FIVE REASONS ALFIE SHOULD RETURN

A Stanley Cup contender: The Senators reached Round 2 this spring. Ottawa is a team on the rise.

Daniel Alfredsson has faced a lot of heat in the last 48 hours for suggesting the Senators would "probably not" comeback from the 3-1 deficit they were facing as they prepared for Game 5 against the Pittsburgh Penguins Friday night.

Most of the criticism was ridiculous. He was the talk of the town for many of the wrong reasons, but that will go away as the Senators prepare for the summer months and start looking forward to next year.

All eyes will be on Alfredsson for one reason: Will he or won't he back next season?

Lost in all the talk about his "probably not" comment was the subject of whether Alfredsson was about to suit up for his final game with the Senators Friday.

"If it is, we'll make it a fun one," said defenceman Erik Karlsson when asked about the possibility.